(WILLIAM) MURRAY COX

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(WILLIAM) MURRAY COX

August 12, 1941 - November 8, 2023

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of William Murray Cox at Selkirk Regional Health Centre on November 8, 2023.

Murray will lovingly be remembered by his wife Esther Hershfield, whom he married August 28, 1992. He is also survived by his daughter Nancy (Tim) Hilderman and their children Brett and Kristyn (nee Orvis), great-granddaughter Laramie Lynn, Casey and partner Hannah Hanson, Gordon and fiancé Laura Los, and Mason, all of Winnipeg; his son Harvey and partner Cristina Acosta of Calgary; sister Helen Rougeau; sisters-in-law Lois Offerman and Maxine Zabenskie. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents Gladys (nee Kew) and Charles Cox, brothers Harold and Melvin Cox, brother-in-law Leo Rougeau and mother-in-law Estelle Hershfield.

Murray was born in Ste. Rose, Manitoba August 12, 1941. He spent his early years in St. James. He then moved to West St. Paul (WSP) where he attended WSP School and graduated from West Kildonan Collegiate Institute. Murray was employed in several different vocations, including the rural municipality of WSP. He then had a long and fulfilling career with Seven Oaks School Division, retiring after 25 years of service.

In his younger days, Murray took pleasure in playing all sports. He renewed his interest in golfing with Esther and they took pleasure in being on the course with their grandsons and friends. Murray was eager to pass on his love of the lifelong sport by taking his grandsons for lessons and spending quality time with them. Knowing they developed a love of the game made him very happy. When Murray made the difficult decision to no longer golf, he knew immediately that he would pass his clubs on to his left-handed grandsons. He hoped that the clubs would provide as much success to their game as it did his. Murray shared his love and knowledge of baseball with his children, as he coached Nancy and Harvey’s baseball teams in their teenage years. Murray enjoyed watching Toronto Blue Jays and attending Winnipeg Goldeyes games.

The lives of his family have been enriched in many ways. Murray liked to keep personal and household items even if he no longer used them, ‘just in case they might come in handy at a later date’. When Nancy and Gordie painted their family home, he was happy to give them the painting equipment, permanently. In addition to Murray’s generosity and his sharing of tools, he also taught his daughter, son, and grandchildren many valuable life/trade skills. Murray was a great mentor.

It wasn’t easy for Murray to express his feelings. He was kind and sensitive to others. In his shy, quiet manner he connected well with people. Murray didn’t like being the centre of attention. He preferred to sit back and watch other people interact. He was a great judge of character. Murray had great penmanship. When he was writing on something that didn’t have any lines, Murray would use a ruler as a guide, to ensure every line was ‘perfectly straight’. He was an extremely patient man who very seldom raised his voice or showed anger.

Once Murray retired, he looked forward to being with Mason once a week while Nancy was at work. He was available to assist his mother-in-law and took her to the hairdresser and grocery store every Friday. Murray was extremely proud of all his children and grandchildren, and their accomplishments. You could hear it in his voice when he spoke about them. Murray had a great sense of humour. He made Esther laugh every single day, whether it was telling a joke or being his goofy self.

Murray was very handy. He was proud of his household projects, whether it was laying flooring, painting the inside of our home, or building a fenced enclosure for our two Shepherd Collie Cross dogs. It was important to Murray that his yard was pleasing to the eye. It was like a park; a well-manicured lawn, with beautiful flower beds. Every spring he and Esther would spend many hours planting the vegetable garden. They always had a bountiful harvest, and Murray would delight in sharing produce with family and friends.

Esther and Murray were equal partners and enjoyed completing the daily household tasks as a team. They also took pleasure in going on many vacations. They had numerous adventures: Cuba, Mexico, Hawaii, cruises, and car trips. One of Murray’s most meaningful vacations was their trip to Amsterdam where his brother, who perished in the Second World War, is buried at Holten Canadian War Cemetery. They were witnesses to a celebration at the cemetery to commemorate the 70th Liberation of the Netherlands. This was followed by an enjoyable cruise down the Rhine River.

Thank you to Rabbi Matthew Leibl who officiated at the funeral. His words were comforting and beautiful. He captured Murray’s personality perfectly. Thank you to the First Responders and staff at Selkirk Regional Health Centre, in particular Dr. Tuma, Nurse Jessica, and Health Care Aide Cheyenne, who compassionately attended to Murray and our family.

Funeral service was held Sunday, November 12, 2023, at 11:00 am at Shaarey Shamayim Cemetery, 230 Armstrong Avenue. Thank you to the pallbearers: his grandsons Brett, Gordon, and Mason Hilderman, his nephews Michael and Joey Offerman, and family friend Colin Adams, who carried Murray to his final resting place on a beautiful, sunny day.

Those wishing, please consider a donation in Murray’s memory to the Manitoba Lung Association (204.774.5501).

A testament to Murray was all the people who came to his funeral to honour him. The funeral is available on line by visiting YouTube and searching Murray Cox Funeral.

Murray, I love you - Esther

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 16, 2023, Dec 16, 2023